90HP '90 Starter questions

OK. Motor wouldn't start, wasn't cranking..(starter whizzing, no cranking). Pulled cover. Removed plastic flywheel cover, and found spring on top of starting gear, but no bolt (looks threaded for a hold-down bolt?) Lowered starting gear by turning flywheel by hand backwords and the little "starting" gear "cranked" down below flywheel. Tried starting again while watching...When key is turned, starter turns and cranking gear moves up to engage flywheel gear, but starter keeps spinning and everything else (small "bendix?") gear and flywheel don't turn. Crank (flywheel) turn easily by hand so it's not locked up.

Looks like there should be a bolt on the starter shaft above the small gear and spring..?? But at this point I don't think that would solve any problem. Do I need a whole new starter, or just other (cheaper) parts?? Is there a splined bushing on the starter shaft that drives the little "cranking" gear?Money is tight right now. BOth the flywheel gear teeth and the starter gear teeth are in good shape..no breaks, wear or anything else evident.

Thanks!

Re: 90HP '90 Starter questions

I stated WRONG YEAR!!

It's a 2000 90 HP mercury.

Please help!!!

Re: 90HP '90 Starter questions

That starter should have a washer, spring and nut above the drive gear. I would remove the gear and whatever other parts you have, clean up the starter shaft, lightly oil the shaft and reinstall the gear and other parts. now dig up a nut that fits, and use some thread locker to keep it in place.

Re: 90HP '90 Starter questions

Thanks! I'll give that a try before replacing the starter.

BUT... If the drive gear rises and engages the flywheel, why would the starter keep spinning unless something else is wrong??